Duke of Windsor biography

Synopsis

Early Life

Former King of the United Kingdom (Jan-Dec 1936), born on June 23, 1894, as Edward Albert Christian George Andrew Patrick David in Richmond, SW Greater London, England, UK. He was the eldest son of George V. He studied at Osborne, Dartmouth, and Oxford and in 1911, after his father's ascension, he became the Prince of Wales. He joined the navy and (in World War I) the army. His assignments to safe positions on the Italian front troubled him, causing him to announce, "What difference does it make if I am killed? The king has three other sons!" Upon his return to England, the young Prince took up his official duties and traveled throughout Britain and the world. He was both dashing and charming and became known in the American press as the "arbiter of men's fashions, a fearless horseman, tireless dancer, idol of bachelors, dream of spinsters."

Involvement with Wallis Simpson

Edward VIII met the woman who would completely change his life in June of 1931. At a party given by Lady Furness, the prince was introduced to Wallis Simpson, a sophisticated, charming, and charismatic American woman who had recently moved to London with her husband. She immediately captured his interest, then his heart and by 1934, they had undoubtedly become lovers. The monarchy was not pleased with the pairing and refused to allow a marriage between the future king and an American divorcee.

Abdication of Throne and Marriage

The Prince succeeded his father in 1936, and became a popular king, although those who worked around him found him irresponsible in regard to his official papers. On December 11, he abdicated the throne in the face of opposition to his proposed marriage to Simpson, proclaiming to the public, "I have found it impossible to carry the heavy burden of responsibility and to discharge my duties as king as I would wish to do without the help and support of the woman I love." He was then given the title of Duke of Windsor, and in 1937, married Simpson in a small private ceremony in France.

Bahama Appointment

The couple lived in Paris, and spent most of their time shopping and partying with the international jet set. The duke made a couple of attempts to relinquish his political career, including a trip to Nazi Germany in October 1937 -- which only served to worsen his reputation as a supporter of Hitler. While taking refuge from Nazi forces in Lisbon in 1940, the Duke and Duchess of Windsor received word that the King had appointed the duke to be Governor and Commander of Chief of the Bahama Islands. Although the post was considered a relatively unimportant job for a member of the royal family, the duke and duchess were pleased. The London Daily Express eventually said of the former king's five-year post in the Bahamas, "He has faithfully upheld the British cause in his lonely outpost & shown wisdom in his decisions and great dignity in his bearing."

He and Simpson then returned to Paris, where he died in 1972. He was buried at Windsor Castle, and fourteen years later, Simpson was buried beside him. Their undying romance in the face of opposition is still regarded today as one of the greatest love stories of our time.

© 2012 A+E Networks. All rights reserved.